The Houston Texans are making adjustments as they gear up for their preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 20. A significant challenge arises from the loss of wide receiver Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL that will keep him out for the entire season. This injury affects the team's offensive dynamics, particularly for quarterback C.J.
Stroud, who is expected to take the field despite facing performance issues in recent years.
Stroud is projected to play a limited number of series, potentially around 25 plays, as the Texans work through uncertainties in their offensive line setup. The starting offensive line is expected to be in action, while the first-string defense will not participate in this game.
With Higgins unavailable, Stroud will rely heavily on wide receiver Nico Collins, who had an impressive previous season with 71 catches totaling 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. Other receivers, including Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel, are also expected to step up in Higgins' absence.
Dell, who had developed good chemistry with Stroud, missed last season due to injury, while Noel, drafted shortly after Higgins, was teammates with him at Iowa State.
